ANU think tank receives $2.5m gift

The Development Policy Centre at the Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra has received a $5 million boost.

The Harold Mitchell Foundation has donated $2.5 million to the think tank for aid and development, and the funding has been matched by the university.

Philanthropist Harold Mitchell says the centre has the capacity to make a difference in developing countries.

"The country that we are is such a lucky country, an incredible place," he said.

"[Australia has] the 12th biggest economy, although there are 50 nations that are larger in population than we are, and that we have on the edge of us so many developing nations, more than any such nation in the world and it's important that we take great care about that."

Mr Mitchell says it is essential that private wealth and public institutions come together for the better good.

"In Australia the care of our near neighbours is just so important," he said.

"It was easy for me to pick the ANU, a fine institution, with such a great interest in doing it and the development of the centre here to drive it forward.".